Abstract

It is the general premise of this paper that multi-scale modeling with multi-physics balance and constitutive representations of the thermal, electrochemical, mechanical, and chemical phenomena that make a fuel cell work is an essential foundation for design and manufacturing. It is further claimed that such modeling enables a systems-to-science engineering approach that will accelerate technology greatly, reduce cost, improve durability, and bring fuel cell systems to life in our society. It is the objective of this paper to identify and provide a few foundation stones of understanding for such an engineering foundation for fuel cell technology, especially that part of the foundation that relates to multi-scale modeling of materials.

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Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the support of elements of this research by the US Army (DAAB07-03-3-K415), the National Science Foundation (CMS-0408807), and the Solid State Energy Alliance (DE-FC26-04NT42228). They also gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance of Peter Menard, at the Connecticut Global Fuel Cell Center, and the use of the facilities there.